WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE?Acupuncture is a type of individualized, traditional, and nature-based medicine that has been practiced in China for more than 2,000 years. The earliest known medical texts, which were written between 100 B.C. and 100 A.D., are widely translated and still used today. Acupuncture is the insertion of very thin needles in specific points on the body for the prevention and treatment of pain and disease. Acupuncture is based on the theory that needling stimulates the flow of energy or Qi (pronounced “chee”) through a matrix of interrelated pathways, or meridians, in the body. In this way, acupuncture helps to regulate and restore imbalances of the body. It is a complementary medicine that can be easily used in combination with traditional Western medicine to alleviate pain and to treat many physical, mental, and emotional conditions. Acupuncture is safe, natural and effective. For people who are fearful of needles, acupuncture points can be stimulated by hand with gentle pressure from the fingertips (acupressure) that is also very effective in regulating the smooth flow of Qi. Acupuncture is useful in providing relief from a variety of conditions and it is a holistic and a transformative medicine. Acupuncture treats the body, mind and spirit, and can lead to rediscovering the lost self and bringing one back after experiencing prolonged disease, shock or trauma.

Acupuncture is an effective form of treatment. Acupuncture relies on simple diagnostic techniques that are referred to as the four inspections: to see, to feel, to ask, and to touch. These methods provide the acupuncturist with information needed to develop a treatment plan. Acupuncture is ideal for patient’s seeking relief from a variety of symptoms, especially symptoms that are stress related, but it’s greatest value may be in the preventative benefits of addressing imbalances before they develop into pathologies that result in disease.

Endorsement of AcupunctureThe World Health Organization (WHO) has endorsed acupuncture for the treatment of the following conditions: